NANOTECHNOLOGY
·
2018
·Vol. 29
·期 6
·065501
·
IF 3.404
Xiang Ran,Zhenzhen Wang,Enguo Ju,Fang Pu,Yanqiu Song,Jinsong Ren,Xiaogang Qu
The logic device demultiplexer can convey a single input signal into one of multiple output channels. The choice of the output channel is controlled by a selector. Several molecules and biomolecules have been used to mimic the function of a demultiplexer. However, the practical application of logic devices still remains a big challenge. Herein, we design and construct an intelligent 1:2 demultiplexer as a theranostic device based on azobenzene (azo)-modified and DNA/Ag cluster-gated nanovehicles. The configuration of azo and the conformation of the DNA ensemble can be regulated by light irradiation and pH, respectively. The demultiplexer which uses light as the input and acid as the selector can emit red fluorescence or a release drug under different conditions. Depending on different cells, the intelligent logic device can select the mode of cellular imaging in healthy cells or tumor therapy in tumor cells. The study incorporates the logic gate with the theranostic device, paving the way for tangible applications of logic gates in the future.
研究领域:
生物化学
·
分子生物学
·
纳米医学
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高影响因子
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
·
2021
·
IF 7.46
Hui Yue,Jinri Chen,Xu Chen,Xiaoli Wang,Yuting Zhang,Nandi Zhou
Sialic acids (SAs), particularly its most common derivative N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) are involved in many biological processes in vivo . Thus it is of great significance to detect Neu5Ac and trace the sialylation of glycoproteins and other bio-active molecules. Aptamers are molecular elements for bio-recognition with high affinity, which have been widely used in bioanalysis and imaging. However, the ideal aptamers for saccharides have seldom been reported. Magnetic beads (MB)-based SELEX is a commonly used method for screening of aptamers. Herein, three types of MB-based SELEX with different immobilization manners were carried out to systematically study and compare the screening efficiency, which may provide reference for screening of aptamers specific for low-molecular targets. After screening and sequencing, the obtained aptamer sequences were aligned and analyzed, among which three aptamers were selected as candidates. Then, the aptamer ap 3-1 with the highest affinity was optimized according to the results of molecular simulation docking. An optimal aptamer ap 3-1-a with 21 nucleotides (nt) was eventually obtained, with the K d value of 55.71 ± 12.29 nM. To verify the practicability of the aptamer, a fluorescent biosensor for Neu5Ac was constructed employing graphene oxide (GO)-based fluorescence quenching and Neu5Ac-induced fluorescence restoration. The biosensor showed a linear response range within 20−1000 nM. The specificity was verified and the interferents-resistance was validated by detecting Neu5Ac in actual samples. This study may inspire the efficient and universal strategy for screening and application of robust and practicable aptamers for low-molecular targets.
研究领域:
生物化学
·
分子生物学
·
分析化学
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ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
·
2026
·Vol. 98
·期 30
·22484-22494
·
IF 7.3
Rao Yanhua,Yang Zhongyu,Long Yongteng,Yang Jiabao,Liu Nannan
Scandium (Sc), as a critical rare earth element (REE),
holds significant
application value in advanced manufacturing, energy materials, catalysis,
and other fields. However, due to the common coexistence of Sc with
light and heavy REEs, which exhibit high similarities in ionic radius,
valence state, and coordination chemistry, conventional spectrophotometric
methods suffer from poor selectivity, making accurate quantification
of Sc 3+ in complex matrices difficult. In this study, we
present a label-free ion sensing platform based on silicon nanowire-modified
glass micropipettes (SiNWs@GMP). By incorporating the Sc-1 DNA recognition
unit, the platform achieves highly sensitive and selective detection
of Sc 3+ as well as sequential discrimination between light
and heavy REEs. The three-dimensional porous SiNWs network inside
the GMP provides abundant immobilization sites for Sc-1 DNA. Under
an applied electric field, the specific binding between Sc 3+ and Sc-1 DNA modulates ion transport within the channel, generating
measurable changes in ionic current. The constructed sensor exhibits
a detection concentration range for Sc 3+ from 1 pM to 10 5 pM and a detection limit for Sc 3+ as low as 1
pM, which can effectively distinguish Sc 3+ from light REEs.
Meanwhile, the use of EDTA to selectively suppress interference from
coexisting heavy REEs further verifies the high selectivity of Sc-1
DNA. This platform demonstrates good stability, repeatability, and
reliability in aqueous environments, highlighting its potential for
applications in environmental monitoring and REEs analysis.
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高影响因子
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
·
2026
·
IF 7.5
Yujie Peng,Meng Zhang,Libo Zhu,Wenqiang Qian,Jingjing Yan,Huidi Jiang,Yu Xin,Ying Zhang,Dongli Sun,Weidong Fei,Mengdan Zhao
Background and Purpose Endometriosis is a chronic, hormone-dependent disorder characterized by ectopic implantation of endometrial tissue, often accompanied by pain and infertility. Although the progesterone receptor modulator RU486 is effective for pain relief, its impact on lesion regression is limited, possibly due to apoptosis resistance and overexpression of PARP1 in endometriotic cells. This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic therapeutic efficacy of combining RU486 with the PARP inhibitor olaparib, focusing on reactivating p53-dependent apoptosis in endometriotic lesions. Experimental Approach Primary ectopic endometrial stromal cells (EESCs) were used to assess the effects of RU486 and olaparib on cytotoxicity, apoptosis, DNA damage, mitochondrial membrane potential, and cell migration. Mechanistic investigations included flow cytometry, western blotting, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence, and comet assays. A murine endometriosis model was established to evaluate in vivo lesion suppression, pain behaviour, hormone levels, and treatment safety following combination therapy. Key Results RU486 and olaparib exhibited strong synergy at a 1:4 ratio, significantly enhancing apoptosis in EESCs by coactivating p53 through distinct mechanisms—transcriptional up-regulation by RU486 and posttranslational stabilization by olaparib. This synergy intensified Bax/Bcl-2-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction, caspase-3 activation, and PARP1 cleavage. In vivo, the combination therapy achieved a 77.5% lesion weight regression, significantly exceeding monotherapies, while maintaining robust analgesic effects. Histological and molecular analyses confirmed DNA damage and enhanced apoptosis in lesions. Conclusion and Implications The combination medication enhanced apoptotic sensitivity in endometriosis by restoring p53 activity through targeting hormonal signalling and DNA repair pathways. This strategy offered strong potential for clinical translation. Graphical
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Animals
·
2026
·Vol. 16
·期 4
·
IF 3.2
Zhi Yang,Usman Nazir,Xinfang Wang,Xucheng Zheng,Haiming Yang,Zhiyue Wang
This experiment was conducted to explore the effects of betaine on the DNA methylation level, expression level, and fat synthesis ofVNN1in goose hepatocytes by isolating the primary hepatocytes of goose at the cellular level and constructing a fatty degeneration model of goose hepatocytes. In the study, 23-day-old Taizhou goose embryos were used as the research object, and free fatty acid (PA:OA = 2:1) was used to induce steatosis of goose primary hepatocytes. The experiment was randomly divided into seven groups: control group, steatosis model group, and betaine (2, 10, 25, 50, 100mM) group. After 24 h of cell culture, cell viability, oil red O staining, and lipid metabolism-related indicators in cell supernatant were measured, and cells were collected to determineVNN1,FAS,ACC,SCD,SREBPQgene expression andVNN1promoter region DNA methylation level. (1) The addition of 0.5 mM fatty acids successfully determined the degeneration of goose hepatocytes. The levels of TG and LDL were significantly increased (p< 0.05), and the level of HDL was significantly decreased. (2) The addition of 100 mM betaine significantly reduced TG levels, and 10, 25, 50, and 100 mM betaine significantly reduced LDL levels. The addition of betaine had no significant effect on HDL level compared to the FFA group (p> 0.05), although a significant overall model effect was observed. Oil red O staining showed that the area of lipid droplets in cells with 50 mM betaine decreased most significantly. (3) The expression levels ofVNN1,FAS,ACC,SCD, andSREBPQgenes in the fat model group were significantly higher compared to the control group (p< 0.05), and the DNA methylation level in the promoter region of theVNN1gene decreased. (4) The addition of 2, 10, 25, 50, and 100 mM betaine significantly reduced the expression ofVNN1. The expression ofFASin 2, 10, and 25 mM betaine groups significantly decreased. Betaine at 10 and 100 mM significantly reduced the expression ofSREBPQ, but it showed no significant effect onACCexpression. Addition of 2, 50, and 100 mM betaine led to an increased DNA methylation status at theVNN1gene promoter region. In summary, the addition of betaine can reduce the expression of fatty acid synthesizing genes such asFAS,SCD, andSREBPQ, down-regulate the expression level of theVNN1gene, increase the DNA methylation level of the VNN1 promoter region, and reduce lipid deposition in goose liver steatosis cells.
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高影响因子
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
·
2026
·
IF 6.8
Xin Qiao,Shuang Xu,Zhitao Dai,Ke Zhang,Rui Guo,Aijun Li,Xiaofang Li,Qiong Zhang
p-STAT4 directly binds to the Ak4 promoter to drive its transcription. • STAT4-AK4 signaling engages in the production of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). • TAMR inhibits Ak4 transcription and mtDNA synthesis in a STAT4-dependent manner. • TAMR ameliorates UC by suppressing the JAK2-STAT4 signaling pathway. • The JAK2-STAT4-AK4-mtDNA axis represents a novel therapeutic target for UC. Background Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with increasing global incidence, has inadequate existing treatments, highlighting the urgent need for new therapeutic agents and strategies. The total alkaloids from Menispermi Rhizoma (TAMR) has been clinically used to treat inflammatory diseases in traditional Chinese medicine, but its specific therapeutic effects and mechanisms in UC remain poorly elucidated. Purpose This study aimed to systematically clarify the therapeutic efficacy of TAMR against UC and elucidate its potential molecular mechanisms. Methods A dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine colitis model was used to evaluate the efficacy of TAMR, with RNA sequencing providing mechanistic insights. A variety of molecular biology experiments were conducted for subsequent pathway validation in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. STAT4-AK4 interactions were further explored via Stat4 knockdown and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. Results TAMR treatment effectively ameliorated colonic pathological lesions and reestablished M1/M2 macrophage polarization in DSS-challenged mice. Integrated RNA-seq and Western blot profiling revealed that TAMR specifically suppressed JAK2-STAT4 signaling cascade and AK4 expression, whose inhibition curbed excessive mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) synthesis in inflammatory macrophages. Notably, STAT4 overexpression entirely negated TAMR-driven AK4 and mtDNA suppression. ChIP experiments confirmed that p-STAT4 directly bound to the Ak4 promoter, and STAT4 silencing abrogated LPS-induced Ak4 transcription and mtDNA synthesis. Conclusions TAMR exerts its anti-colitis effects by inhibiting the JAK2-STAT4 signaling pathway, which in turn suppresses AK4-mediated mtDNA overproduction. This study provides a scientific basis for the clinical application of TAMR in UC treatment and identifies a novel JAK2-STAT4-AK4-mtDNA regulatory axis as a potential therapeutic target for UC. Download: Download high-res image (436KB) Download: Download full-size image
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Materials Today Chemistry
·
2026
·
IF 7.4
Tianxin Weng,Guodong Zhang,Kexin Ding,Yuying Wang,Yahui Zhou,Xiufeng Wang,Ting Zhou,Fang Wang,Zhiqing Zhang
A pH-responsive DNA nanocarriers (RAM) was designed for combination therapy. • The interaction between TBO/DOX and RAM affected their loading and release. • The multivalent interaction enables RAM to accurately identify tumors. • TBO promoted siMCT1 to inhibit MCT1 expression through PCI effect. • TBO and DOX loaded by RAM exhibited better synergistic anti-tumor effect. Improving the efficiency of drug targeted delivery and alleviating tumor cell hypoxia were crucial for photodynamic-based combination therapy to improve the anticancer effect. Herein, a novel multifunctional DNA nanocarrier (RAM) was developed for targeted delivery and pH-responsive release of toluidine blue O (TBO), doxorubicin (DOX) and anti-MCT1 siRNA (siMCT1) combined drugs. RAM was prepared by two-step self-assembly of RCA scaffold prepared by rolling circle amplification technology with multivalent AS1411 aptamer, complementary chain of i-motif sequence and siMCT1 modified by i-motif sequence. The existence of i-motif enabled RAM to respond to the micro-acid environment of tumor cells to quickly release drugs. Multispectral and molecular docking experiments showed that TBO and DOX were intercalated into RAM. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that RAM exhibited superior drug loading capacity, and the pre-loading of TBO enhancing the co-loading efficiency of combined drugs. The release of RAM-loaded drugs was expedited by an acidic environment and deoxyribonuclease I, with the release rate inversely related to the binding capacity. The multivalent AS1411 aptamer enhanced the targeting ability of RAM to MCF-7 cells. TBO could promote siMCT1 to inhibit the expression of monocarboxylate transporter 1 through PCI effect, thereby inhibiting lactic acid-driven respiration, effectively increasing local oxygen pressure, and thus significantly improving PDT efficacy. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed superior synergistic antitumor efficacy of (RAM + TBO) + DOX system. This study established a theoretical grounding for using multifunctional DNA nanocarriers in synergistic PDT-chemotherapy to co-deliver drugs and mitigate tumor hypoxia. Download: Download high-res image (383KB) Download: Download full-size image
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CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
·
2026
·
IF 12.5
Xuan Wang,Lijie Tang,Jinhui Li,Bin Huang,Herui Wen,Jialin Zhang
Ultrasensitive sensor was developed by tripedal DNA walker and nanostructure scaffolds. • The sensor could directly detect bacteria, which avoided tedious DNA extraction. • DNA tetrahedron scaffolds provide several binding sites to combine with COF-Au-MB-S5. The bacterial infections pose a significant public health challenge to public health, thus rapid and sensitive methods for bacteria detection are needed. This study developed a new functionalized covalent organic framework (COF) electrochemical sensor for detection of bacteria based on tripedal DNA walker and self-assembled nanostructure scaffolds. The DNA tracks@hairpin probes were employed to increase the effective surface area of electrode. The Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ) was selected as the target to verify the approach. When the target was present in the system, specific interaction between the aptamer and target caused S6 probe to be released from the aptamer, which triggered the catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) to form a tripedal DNA walker. The hairpin DNA track was designed and modified on surface of electrode. The “legs” of tripedal DNA walker hybridized with hairpin probe and perform directional movements along predetermined tracks to open hairpin structure. The sequence-precise, uniformly sized DNA tetrahedral (Td) scaffolds were introduced and programmed self-assembly was used to form a branched tetrahedron-hybridization chain reaction (Td-HCR) DNA complex nanostructure. The Td-HCR DNA complex hybridized with the opened hairpin structure, causing the exposure of more Td-HCR DNA binding sites to hybridize with COF-Au-MB-S5 signal probes, thus generated significant current signal for bacteria detection, with a wide linear ranging from 10 to 10 8 CFU/mL. The detection limit (LOD) was 5 CFU/mL. This sensor demonstrated excellent selectivity, high stability and reproducibility, which offered an innovative path for detection of bacteria. Ultrasensitive COFs electrochemical biosensor for detection of bacteria based on tripedal DNA walker and self-assembled nanostructure scaffolds. Download: Download high-res image (120KB) Download: Download full-size image
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FOOD CHEMISTRY
·
2026
·
IF 10.4
Wenting Li,Yongqiang Shi,Yuanyuan Zhu,Yongjian Yu,Dong Han,Xiaobo Zou,Jiyong Shi
This study developed a novel dual-functional portable electrochemical biosensor capable of simultaneous and sensitive detection of AFB 1 and OTA. The biosensor incorporates SPCE modified with gold nanoflowers, which not only enhances electrical conductivity and specific surface area of work electrode but also supports the stable immobilization of DNA tetrahedral probes. This biosensor utilizes ferrocene and methylene blue as distinct electrochemical signal reporters and enables specific and parallel recognition of AFB 1 and OTA in a single measurement, this strategy greatly improves its detection efficiency. Integrated with a portable electrochemical workstation and smartphone, this platform facilitates rapid, user-friendly, and real-time mycotoxin detection. Under optimized conditions, the biosensor exhibited wide linear detection ranges (0.05–250 ng/mL) and impressive detection limits of 2.8 pg/mL (AFB 1 ) for and 4.1 pg/mL (OTA). This work developed platform exhibits excellent stability and field applicability, providing a practical integrated solution for on-site screening of multiple mycotoxin in agricultural products.
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高影响因子
RSC Advances
·
2026
·Vol. 16
·期 23
·21266-21276
·
IF 6.1
Yaosen Wang,Yanlong Cai,Huaizhou Jin,Shangzhong Jin
Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful vibrational spectroscopy technique capable of single-molecule sensitivity, yet its performance is critically dependent on the precise engineering of plasmonic hotspots. Conventional dimer-based substrates offer limited enhancement due to their restricted hotspot volume and intensity. Here, we overcome this limitation by leveraging the programmable addressability of DNA origami to construct a plasmonic nanofork antenna (DONA) that directs the assembly of 80 nm gold nanoparticles into well-defined multimers (trimers, tetramers, and pentamers). By systematically increasing the number of thiolated staple strands and refining the post-assembly conjugation workflow, we achieve reproducible sub-2 nm interparticle gaps, enabling dense and intense electromagnetic hotspots. This multimeric platform enables label-free SERS detection of Rhodamine 6G (R6G) down to an ultralow concentration of 10−14 M, with characteristic Raman peaks at 613 cm−1 and 1512 cm−1 clearly resolved. Furthermore, we demonstrate the versatility of this platform by detecting proteins (streptavidin, thioredoxin) at sub-picomolar levels. Our work establishes DNA-origami-engineered multimers as a robust and generalizable strategy for ultrasensitive, label-free biochemical sensing.
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高影响因子
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
·
2026
·
IF 8.3
Huan Li,Zhiguang Suo,Xueqing Zhu,Min Wei,Huali Jin,Rui Guo,Yong Liu,Renyong Zhao
The widespread misuse of ciprofloxacin (CIP) poses a serious threat to environmental safety and human health, necessitating its trace detection in food matrices. In this study, a novel electrochemical aptasensor was developed for the highly sensitive detection of CIP. Au@ZnCoN-C nanocomposites with superior conductivity were synthesized and employed as the electrode modification material. To improve assay sensitivity, a target-triggered cyclic amplification method relying on RecJf exonuclease was adopted. Notably, a cross-linked DNA framework (CLDF) was utilized for the first time in CIP detection. Its interconnected architecture provides abundant active sites for high-density loading of methylene blue (MB), thereby significantly amplifying the electrochemical response. Under optimized conditions, the aptasensor exhibited a wide linear range from 0.005 to 1000 ng/mL, with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 3.2 pg/mL. Furthermore, the sensor was successfully applied to the analysis of CIP in milk, egg, and pork samples with satisfactory results. Leveraging its high specificity, long-term stability, and high sensitivity, this method provides a robust strategy for the precise monitoring of CIP in food safety applications.
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高影响因子
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
·
2026
·
IF 5.2
Chaohan Jiang,Shengjie Cai,Guo Chen,Fengyin Duan,Bingjie Zhu,Zhichao Mao,Hong Xiao,Wenjie Chen,Ge Wu,Lizhu Yang
A product-induced dual amplification strategy was developed for detecting chloramphenicol (CAP). It combines catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) and a DNA tetrahedron nanomachine (DTN). CAP binds to an aptamer-hairpin, triggering CHA and forming a tripedal Y-shaped DNA. This tripedal Y-shaped DNA can catalytically cleave the substrate DNA on DTN, significantly restoring fluorescent intensity. Notably, the dual-amplification time is greatly reduced by the increased amount of DNA fragments, which elevates the kinetic rate constant. Moreover, the detection limit was improved to 0.2 pM using this strategy. Additionally, it shows considerable potential for real-sample applications.
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